On a closing note, I would like to ask everyone to check out two great NWA related sites, http://www.nwatnazone.com and http://www.geocities.com/nwatnafantasybooking Thank you for reading my column. I hope that you enjoyed it. Until next time, I'm Stanley Hetz. And remember THE NWA IS THE WORLDWIDE LEADER OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING.

October 19, 2002

Hi, NWA fans.

We are getting very close to the NWA's 54th Anniversary show, and I'll be getting to that very
soon.

But first, I want to comment on Ron "The Truth" Killings.  After watching the most recent NWA-TNA payper view, I must say that he is a disgrace to the NWA World heavyweight championship that he holds, and should be stripped of the World title. 

Don't get me wrong.  Killings is a good wrestler.  He is great on the mic, although I have to think that there are people that take exception to his continued use of the race card.  I would guess that "Mr. Wrestling 3" is one of those offended by Killings' use of the race card, but we have to wait and see if that is the case.

Killings' tactics in his recent NWA World title defense against Curt Hennig champ was abhorrent, and SHOULD be grounds for him to lose the title if life was fair.   However, to my knowledge, there is no precedent for a champion to lose his title for such conduct.  Besides, on second thought, I really don't like for the World title to be vacated.  What to do?

Killings can be forced to defend the title in multiple matches against different opponents until one of the fresh opponents beats him "fair and square" right in the middle of the ring.  Killings can complain about back stage politics all that he wants, but let's face it.  He should be very thankful that an honorable man like Bill Behrens is laying down the law and order. He should also be thankful that the NWA doesn't bring me in to be it's official at the shows.

If I was the NWA official that was laying down law and order, I'd make Killings defend the NWA World title in four matches against four different opponents in one night.  In separate matches, I'd make Killings defend against Curt Henning, Jeff Jarrett, Dan Severn.   The other match would be against a very talented, but lesser known black wrestler, who I have seen wrestle
under the name of Tre.  I have a feeling that Killings would be a former champ by the end of the show. 

If Killings would be able to actually hang on to the title under such cicumstances, then I have to believe that he would gain a brand new respect as champion. Hell, by the end of the night, Killings would be able to elevate himself from being one of the most disgraceful champions in NWA history to being one of the most respected in NWA history.

Okay.  Enough about that.  The NWA is putting on it's biggest show of the year.   NWA Southwest promoter Ken Taylor is promoting the NWA's 54th Anniversary show, and it should be spectacular!  Here is a list of just some of those who are scheduled to be there: current NWA World champion Ron Killings, former NWA World champion Ken Shamrock, NWA National champion Hotstuff Hernandez, NWA Womens' champion Madison, former NWA-TNA champion AJ Styles, along with Konnan, Danny Dominion, Mortimer Plumtree, and Jorge Estrada.  For more about the card, be sure to check out http://www.nwawrestling.com/nwa54.htm

Speaking of the NWA's 54th Anniversary show, I recently had the opportunity to ask some very
prominent men what they are looking forward to the most about it.  Men such as NWA Southwest promoter Ken Taylor, NWA Southwest referee Rob Moore, NWA-TNA
promoter Jerry Jarrett, NWA vice president Bill Behrens,  NWA Pacific Northwest promoter Dave Republic, and NWA-CPW promoter Dan Denton.  Here is what they told me:

Ken Taylor:  "I believe there will be a number of hghlights....  I believe Jeff Jarrett being involved
will be one, the World title match between Killings and  Hernandez could be a classic, Shamrock versus Styles will be a definite crowd pleaser, the heat between Konnan and manager Mortimer Plumtree will be interesting, and the Texas Death Match between JP Black and Steve DeMarco will certainly bring back memories of the past.  I am personally looking forward to all of the above matches and the entire card. This will absolutely be the best Anniversary Card top to bottom ever presented, much better than the 50th, which was in my opinion the best  to date. NWA-TNA
seems impress with our efforts as they're bringing their TV crew to Corpus Christi to shot some
highlights.  We have been successful in bringing in a major event sponsor in Miller Lite and that makes a lot of difference. I believe wrestling fans will see the NWA in an entirely different light after this show and see us coming back full circle to our former heydays."

Rob Moore:  "It's usually the main event of a card like this that gets most of the attention, and the top two matches certainly qualify. NWA World Champ Ron Killings vs. National Champ Hotstuff Hernandez and Ken Shamrock vs. A.J. Styles certainly deserve their placement on the card. However, there could be an undercard match or two that could emerge as the show-stealer, much like Steamboat vs. Savage at WrestleMania III. I look for Rocky Reynolds vs. Jason Rumble to be an exceptional junior heavyweight contest, and the Texas Death Match with taped fists between NWA Texas Champion J.P. Black and Steve DeMarco could be one of the most physically grueling matchups in the NWA in a long time. It'll be a great card from top to bottom, and I think the NWA will really shine on the Bayfront."

Jerry Jarrett:  "It has been many years since I attended an NWA convention. I am looking forward to meeting the NWA promoters most of whom I have never met."

Bill Behrens:  "Well there are several key match-ups with Ken Shamrock facing AJ Styles, Ron Killings defending the NWA World Title against National Champion Hotstuff Hernandez, and Flying Elvis, Jorge Estrada getting a shot at new NWA North American Champion Paul Atlas. Add that to the rumor that Jeff and Jerry Jarrett will be attending and this can't but
be a great show."

Dave Republic:  "The member wet T-shirt contest and hot tub meetings are always the highlights for me."

Dan Denton:  "The highlight will be seeing all of the great talent coming together for a big show. I think the event will be a great chance to meet other promoters and do some brainstorming to try and figure out how to best market our business."

Speaking of Dan Denton, the promoter from California also recently told me about which of his promotion's wrestlers he would like to send to NWA-TNA to wrestle on the pay per views.  He told me, "As a wrestler, I would send Blue Meanie who sometimes works for me. We have a great relationship and I think the guy has a ton of talent. I think that Paul knew what to do with
him in Philly but I don't think anybody else has figured that out since. He is a true student of
wrestling.  As a tag, I would send AWC and Street Style. They are great on the stick and are real
characters. They won't carry the division but will make others look great and are strong enough to get themselves over."

Recently, I became aware of a lovely female wrestlernamed Liz Michaels.  I would like to bring her to the attention of NWA-TNA matchmakers in the hope that theywill at least consider giving her a dark match to check out her abilities.  To check out her web site,just click on to
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Arena/9007/biograp1.htm  When asked if she would like to participate on NWA-TNA pay per views, she told me, "Sure, I would love to get back into the business. I even have a good gimmick to use assuming a fed has a decent women's division. I'm not optimistic about it happening, due to a number of reasons, the biggest of which is money,
Not just money to pay me, but travel money in a fed's budget, etc. I think I would have been perfect for ECW but for this reason could never even get there for consideration. Plus I'm a lot older than I used to be. Also, I'd probably work not too badly as a cynical color analyst along the line of Jesse Ventura. My view of the best way I could help a fed as a wrestler to put over its women's division. Taskmistress is the monster heel who cannot possibly be beat, and is very
perverse in her methods. She mows through a few opponents to demonstrate this, and give a few inferior opponents good matches, but it takes someone special to beat her, and eventually, whoever is supposed to become the 'fair haired girl' of the fed, does."

In closing, I have thought of the perfect male wrestler to defeat "Bruce" for the "Miss TNA" title.
His old tag team partner "Lenny."  After winning the title, Lenny could go on to say that he wants nothing more to do with the "gay" angle, and hands the title over to a real female.  It could ignite an exciting feud between the former "Rainbow Express" partners, Bruce and Lenny.

Thank you for reading my column. I hope that you enjoyed it. Until next time, I'm Stanley Hetz. And remember THE NWA IS THE WORLDWIDE LEADER OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING.


       
September 26, 2002

Hi, NWA fans.

I want to remind everyone that the NWA's 54th Anniversary show is almost ready to take place.  The
celebration will take place on October 26th in Corpus Christi, Texas.  For more information about the show, including how to obtain tickets, be sure to check out http://www.nwawrestling.com/nwa54-2.htm

NWA-TNA has been putting on some great pay per view shows, in which I have enjoyed tremendously.  I especially like that as of the most recent pay per view, TNA has been mentioning some of the NWA's regional promotions by name along with the names of their respective promoters.  For instnace, I noticed that Mike Tenay was talking about upcoming cards for NWA Midwest, NWA West Virginia, and NWA Southwest.

In the September 20th edition of Jeremy Borash's column, Borash asks everyone to send in their comments about their favorite TNA girls to TNAViewers@aol.com That is a great idea.  I hope that everyone participates.  On a side note, I would like to see TNA post the stage names of the TNA girls while they are dancing so that the viewers will know who they are discussing.

Speaking of lovely TNA girls, I think that TNA backstage interviewer Goldilocks has been doing a
tremendous job.

I have also enjoyed watching Scott Hall and Sean Waltman (also known as Syxx-Pac) on recent TNA pay per views.  I would personally like to see Hall and Waltman win the NWA World tag team title for at least a short period of time.

When will "Bruce" lose the "Miss TNA" title?  I think that it's about time.  He may consider himself a woman (his words-not mine).   However, he is not a REAL woman, so let's get the title away from him.  Here's my suggestion on how to do so.  Every week, have Bruce wrestle a MAN with the title on the line.  However, the catch is each male challenger would have a lovely lady as his valet such as Bobcat, Goldilocks, Athena, Francine, Alicia, Daffney, etc.  Whatever guy beats Bruce for the title would have his valet become the new Miss TNA.

I have been watching some more tapes recently of The Fighting Irishman, and the matches that I have been watching have been pretty impressive.  I hope that TNA's promoters will at least consider giving him at least a dark match so that they can take a look at his abilities.

Where has NWA vice president Bill Behrens been lately on TNA pay per views?  He needs to come back so that he can lay down some law and order.  Jeff Jarrett, Ron Killings, Brian Lawler, and Elix Skipper are out of control.  I can't believe what they did in the main event of the latest pay per view.  Behrens may be the only person currently able to get them under control.

In my August 27th column, I printed quotes from several NWA promoters in regards to a question that I asked them in regards to which wrestlers or tag teams from their promotions would they like send to NWA-TNA to wrestle on pay per view.  I also asked them why they feel that those particular wrestlers would improve TNA's product. 

Since then, I had the opportunity to ask Andre Baker, who is the promoter for NWA UK Hammerlock, the same question.  This is what Baker told me:  "Johnny Moss would be my choice because quite simply he is a good all arounder who can have a match with anyone, he is also a great ambassador for NWA UK and the NWA as a whole."

Thank you for reading my column. I hope that you enjoyed it. Until next time, I'm Stanley Hetz. And
remember THE NWA IS THE WORLDWIDE LEADER OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING.

August 27, 2002

Hi, NWA fans.

I personally want to thank the Jarrett family and everyone involved with the NWA-TNA promotion for
consistently putting on an enjoyable show week in and week out. I always look forward to watching it.

I recently had the opportunity to ask NWA-TNA ring announcer Jeremy Borash as to what wrestlers currently wrestling in the NWA would he like to see come wrestle for TNA. This is what he told me: "I would like to see a few more new faces in the X-Division. There are so many fantastic guys out there who can work that style. I am a big fan of seeing the innovation these guys deliver. Specifically, we've had our eyes on American Dragon, Trent Acid, and a few others."

I also had the chance to ask some of the NWA's regional promoters a similar question. Basically, what I asked them was if they could send one wrestler (or tag team) that currently wrestles in their own NWA promotion to wrestle on an upcoming TNA promotion, who would they chose? This is what they told me:

Alvin Minnick, the promoter of NWA Mid-South: "Stanley, I would send Randy Rocket. Rocket is by far the most talented wrestler in the NWA Mid-South right now,This young man can do it all,He has a great build,can mat wrestle,or get up in the air if the need calls for it.He's been in this sport for severalyears.He's held many regional independent titles,including the NWA Mid-South/WOWF Title,and thePower Pro Wrestling TV Title(as KHAN).He was trained for the ring by (Outlaw)Don Bass.He is kinda like another Al Snow,He's just always seems to miss that big break.In the back,he's always the one who is taking time to help the younger talent,when they ask.He has a good attitude,I think he's even worked for the Jarretts before,in the old USWA, when he was a rookie.He comes out looking professional,with nice/flashy ring gear,and can do good mike spills when called upon to do so...I think he is an all around great talent,and given the right push,could make the NWA/TNA a better product..And if they don't think so,  I'll be glad to keep him on my roster.Thank you."

Rick O'Brien, the promoter of NWA Virginia: "Thank you for you time in asking me that question. I wish it were that easy to separate the talent into one or two wrestlers. In fact, I cannot. I would rather group them, and let JSE handle who should be featured. In NO particular order, Biggie Biggs, Zieg, Jacey North, Preston Quinn, Magic, Tommy Logan. I'm sure there are more if I spent more time thinking about whom I've forgotten. But those gents have heart, ability, the look, work ethic, etc. You can't learn some of those qualities. They are something within, and each of these talents has it. Thanks for asking."

Dave Heart, the promoter for NWA Hawaii: "Well, I would like to say I would send the Tag Team The East Coast Connection. My reason for this would be because size wise I believe they can bring more of what is needed to TNA and on a performance level they always bring 100%."

Ed Chuman, the promoter for NWA Mid-West: "I would send the team of Danny Dominion and Sexy Ace Steel. They are great workers, and have been on top of the Indy scene for some years now. Both have 10 years expense in the business, and have a strong work ethic, and approach to wrestling. Danny could fit into the Heavyweight division easily as he is 6'2", and about 240lbs. In fact he looks a lot like Brian Lawler. Perhaps even do an illegitimate son of Jerry Lawler gimmick with that. Steel would fit perfectly into the X Division. He's had a number of matches with the SAT's, and Low Ki. His style is reminiscent of the Dynamite Kid, and has an excellent physique. Also a very hard worker with a great attitude."

Ernie Todd, the promoter for NWA Canadian Wrestling Federation: "Spyder, The Machine, EZ Ryder come to mind, all solid workers that could compete at that level. I would put Spyder and Ryder together, form a biker team, call The Seeds of Evil. The were the original SOE, look mean and both can work. I have never seen one of the shows so I don't know how to improve it, other than insert The Big Kahuna as the manager of the heel clique."

On a closing note, I would like to congratulate Ron Killings for defeating Ken Shamrock recently to become the first black holder of the NWA World heavyweight championship.  Shamrock was a fine champion, and I'm sure that Killings will keep the tradition going. 

Thank you for reading my column. I hope that you enjoyed it. Until next time, I'm Stanley Hetz. And
remember THE NWA IS THE WORLDWIDE LEADER OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING.


August 1, 2002

Hi, NWA fans.

I have been pushing for a title match between current NWA World heavyweight champion Ken Shamrock and former champion Dan "The Beast" Severn for quite sometime.

I recently asked Severn if he would like to challenge Shamrock to a title match for a chance to regain the title that was stripped of him because of a prior
commitment. This is what he said: "It seems to me that the new collaboration of the NWA and TNA to put on a quality product is apparent all except for the Heavyweight Championship Belt! There have been good reviews on the quality of the shows, and of the workers themselves. But it keeps coming back to me and the dark cloud that looms over Shamrock, and the belt that he now holds. Yes, he won it in the Royal Rumble. Yes, he has defended the title since that time. But…the title was stripped in the first place! I, Dan 'The Beast' Severn, was undefeated in my second title rein and was setting an NWA record of becoming the 4th greatest wrestler in the history of the belt and that was taken from me!!!! I openly challenge Ken Shamrock to a 'TRUE' championship title match. And the new NWA-TNA organization can have the opportunity to put this match together if they so desire. In case neither party knows how to get in touch with me I will give you a couple options: You may go to my web site at www.the-beast.com or e-mail me directly at severndd@cbpu.com"

Hopefully, we will soon be able to see this dream match take place. When you consider their legendary matches in the UFC, a rematch with professional wrestling's top prize on the line would be sure to be a crowd pleaser.

In the July 29 edition of my column, I made a suggestion to NWA-TNA to put on a pay per view match between current TNA wrestler K-Krush (aka "The Truth") and former NWA New England Cruiserweight champion Tre.

I recently asked NWA New England commissioner S.W. Alrus about Tre's current wrestling status and his thoughts on a possible match between K-Krush and Tre.
He told me, "The wrestler you call Tre is actually called Tre The Smooth Operatin' Gangsta. He wrestled for The Century Wrestling Alliance (CWA) and then The NWA - NE from the mid 90's right through to present day. While he is not active on our roster right now, he remains a great talent that we will and do use as needed. As far as an NWA - TNA ppv match between K - Krush and Tre, It would be a high intensity match peppered with acrobatics and devastating power moves. I would have to give the advantage to Tre based simply on experience but also sheer ring savvy and a mean
streak matched by a select few."

Thank you for reading my column. I hope that you enjoyed it. Until next time, I'm Stanley Hetz. And remember THE NWA IS THE WORLDWIDE LEADER OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING.


July 29, 2002

Hi, NWA fans.

The NWA World Television championship has a very prestigious history. Past holders of the title include Mike Rotunda, Great Muta, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Nikita Koloff, Tom Zenk, Dusty Rhodes and Sting. Some people would like to see the championship reinstated. I personally think that the NWA has more important things to worry about than reinstating the title, but it is something that I would like to see. I think that I have come up with a way not only to bring back the title, but to make it one of the most prestigious titles in all of professional wrestling.

To fill the vacant NWA World TV championship, NWA-TNA could hold a battle royal on an upcoming pay per view with the available champions from all of the NWA's regional promotions. The last four battle royal participants to successfully avoid being eliminated would compete in a mini-tournament at the end of the show to crown the new NWA World TV champion.

The NWA World TV championship would be Board controlled. TNA would always be able to book the
reigning champion at least once every month to defend the title. All other NWA promotions would be able to to ask the NWA Board of Directors to book the champion in a title match on one of their cards.

TNA would be required to air highlights of all NWA World TV title matches that take place on any NWA promotion other than TNA. All NWA promotions other than TNA would have the OPTION to air highlights of any or all recent NWA World TV title matches on their television programs.

I truly believe that if the NWA would bring back the NWA World TV championship under the above mentioned conditions, the title would not only be very unique, but it would also become one of the most prestigious titles in professional wrestling.

I would also like to give the TNA booking crew a few suggestions for some future matches.

Ken Shamrock is the current NWA World heavyweight champion. Dan Severn is the most recent champion. Shamrock didn't beat Severn for the title. In fact, Severn didn't even lose the title in the ring. Not only are both men shoot fighting legends, but their rivalry in the UFC's octagon is legendary.

I would love to see an NWA World heavyweight title match between Severn and Shamrock held on a future NWA-TNA pay per view. If the match were to be held under the classic two of three falls format, I personally think that the match would be one of the best matches ever held for the NWA World heavyweight championship. On top of that, I believe that the match would bring in huge ratings!

One other possible dream match that I would like to see involves current TNA superstar K-Krush. I would love to see a match between K-Krush and former NWA New England Cruiserweight champion Tre. I have no idea as to what Tre has been up to recently, or even if he is still involved in professional wrestling. I remember Tre from a few NWA New England matches from 1998, and he was very impressive. Not only did he have great ring skills, but he also had great mic skills!  K-Krush and Tre remind me of each other in so many ways, and I think that a match between them would be a
classic!

Thank you for reading my column. I hope that you enjoyed it. Until next time, I'm Stanley Hetz. And remember, THE NWA IS THE WORLDWIDE LEADER OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING. 


July 16, 2002

Hi, NWA fans.

I recently had a great discussion with Goldylocks, the talented backstage interviewer from the NWA-TNA's pay per views.

I asked her if she would like to do guest commentary on a few of the matches if the opportunity would
arise. She told me, "Of course. Thank you for suggesting that. It would be an honor. I'm not as educated as I would like to be in the sport of wrestling, but I'm learning fast. I really have a lot of respect for the athletes involved and even more so for the wrestlers that take the time to explain things to me backstage. I am equally at an advantage in having most of production break things down for me in a respectful manner. Everyone could really make me feel like a dip s**t, but instead they have all used the time to teach me everything they can. I may not be the most fluent in my commentary, but I sure would be entertaining. After all, I'm the 100% Hard Ass American Woman!"

I also asked her who she would like to see wrestle current NWA World heavyweight champion Ken Shamrock in a match for the title. She then asked me if the wrestler would have to be currently wrestling in the NWA. When I explained to her that she could pick any wrestler in the sport, she told me, "OK, then I'd have to choose for a current wrestler, the Undertaker. I like his moves, style and over all confidence. He acts as though he's got a major chip on his shoulder and something to prove. I realize he's bigger than Shamrock, but it still would be a hell of a fight. Of course a close second would be Jeff Jarrett. I'm becoming more and more a fan of his every day. He reminds me of the type of wrestler I grew up on. I'm from Minneapolis [All Star Wrestling], so my grandma would take me to see Jesse The Body, Vern Gagne, Hulk. Funny enough, I enjoyed Mean Gene as well. All these guys really knew how to not only wrestle, but put on a show. I'm an entertainer as well, so of course I'm going to favor those types. Jeff is not only a hell of a wrestler, but a great showman as well. That's
all part of entertainment. So, the Undertaker, Jeff, and of course a good old fashioned ass whooping by Jesse The Body, before he was retired. That would be a match!"

If any of the NWA-TNA's current match commentators are ever unable to attend any of the upcoming pay per views for any reason, I hope that TNA promoter Jerry Jarrett will at least consider Goldylocks fill in.

Many fans of the NWA have been wondering if current NWA World champion Ken Shamrock will be defending the title in other NWA promotions other than in NWA-TNA. I just wanted to let everyone know that on the NWA UK Hammerlock's official website, it says: "Congratulations to the 'worlds most dangerous man' Ken Shamrock on becoming the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion, we intend to apply to the NWA board of directors for permission to promote officially sanctioned title defenses by Shamrock in the UK."

Thank you for reading my column. I hope that you enjoyed it. Until next time, I'm Stanley Hetz. And remember, THE NWA IS THE WORLDWIDE LEADER OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING. 



July 10, 2002

Hi, NWA fans.

As I am writing this column, it is mere HOURS before the NWA-TNA's fourth pay per view.

I would like to make a few comments on the NWA-TNA's third pay per view, which aired last Wednesday on July 3. Personally, I think that last week's pay per view was the best wrestling pay per view that I have seen in approximately nine years. I think that the show was MUCH better than the first two pay per views. I would personally like to congratulate everyone involved with that show for a fine job. In my opinion, it shows that Jerry Jarrett and the TNA staff are working hard to improve their product.

I wanted to get to the bottom of why the Shane Twins were stripped of the NWA World tag team championship prior to the recent tournament to declare new champions. According to NWA vice president Bill Behrens, the Shane Twins never won the championship in the first place. This is what he recently told me: "The Shane's won the title in Peru on a non-NWA show in an unsanctioned match that has been declared void, and as a result of defending the belts on an unsanctioned show the belts were not returned to the Bodies."

I would like to congratulate two time former NWA World heavyweight champion Dan Severn for winning the Frank Gotch Award for 2002. Just add this to the long list of accomplishments that Severn has achieved. In high school, Severn set the national record for consecutive pins. He was a three time All American in college. He was an alternate for the 1984 Olympic team. He has won over 90 major amateur titles, and is a blackbelt in judo and sombo. Of course, he went on to his biggest fame with his victories in the UFC and his two NWA World titles reigns. He continues to run a wrestling school in Michigan.

"Dan is truly in the mold of Frank Gotch, and we are honored to include him on the list of Gotch Award winners, along with Bobby Managoff and Tom Drake," said Mike Chapman, director.

According to a press release, Banquet tickets are $50 each [includes admission to the museum for the entire weekend] and seating is limited. Admission to the inductions at the museum on Saturday is $3 for adults and $2 for students. For more information, call the museum at 641-791-1517. 

I would like to ask everyone to take a look at the Fighting Irishman's web site. He has wrestled against some very big stars. As it says on his web site, "My love for wrestling has kept me going all these years and I love hearing from all my fans. I have worked extensively in Virginia and the North Carolina area. I am an old school wrestler and I still keep the tradition alive today. I started in the early 80's with Jim Crockett Promotions [NWA] in 1982. I have worked with the best including Cy Jernegan, Nikita Koloff, Wahoo Mcdaniels, Mad Dog Buzz Sawyer, Gene Anderson, and the Iron Sheik." His web address is http://www.geocities.com/thefightingirishman 

I also want to thank NWA webmaster Wayne Horan for the great job that he has done on the NWA's website. I have gotten word that Wayne is resigning from the position. I want to wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. He will be missed.

Thank you for reading my column. I hope that you enjoyed it. Just in case you didn't get a chance to
read my last column, I have asked the NWA's webmaster to keep it posted. So if you would like to check out last week's column, just keep scrolling down.



July 2, 2002


Hi, NWA fans. 

As of the time that I am writing this, the NWA-TNA has put on it’s first two pay per views, and we are all awaiting the third, which will be on Wednesday, July 3, 2002. After viewing the first two pay per views, I have to say that there are some things that I liked and others that I didn’t like. I want share some of my own personal thoughts about the pay per views now, and towards the end of the column.

I thoroughly enjoyed the main events for both pay per views so far [for the World heavyweight title and for the X title]. 

As far as the “ Gauntlet for the Gold” was concerned in the first pay per view, it was a pretty good match. I think that the exact same concept could have been presented, with much less controversy however. Many people [including myself] prefer to see an NWA World heavyweight title match as a one on one contest instead of a battle royal. The final two wrestlers [ Ken Shamrock and Malice] competed in a one on one match after the other competitors were eliminated from the battle royal. The title match wouldn’t have been considered a battle royal if it would have been totally separated from the battle royal. In other words, I think that the battle royal should have been towards the beginning of the pay per view simply to declare the final two, and then Malice and Shamrock could have wrestled in the main event at the end of the show. Other than that one detail, I enjoyed the match, and I want to congratulate Shamrock on winning the wrestling’s top prize.

I would also like to congratulate AJ Styles in winning the NWA’s first X championship in a match that was extremely exciting. That match was the main event for the second pay per view.

I realize that a lot of people have been upset with the entire Johnsons angle. I haven’t made up my mind on that particular angle yet. The reason is that I don’t quite know where it is leading. I can personally see how it might evolve into a great angle, but I have to give it time to see where it is going.

One thing that I am looking forward to is that NWA-TNA will be running spots letting people know about upcoming shows from the NWA’s regional promotions. I believe that it is supposed to start on this week’s pay per view. That will be a tremendous help to the various NWA promotions, in my opinion.

Here are just a few of the other NWA-TNA personalities that I enjoyed: Ken Shamrock, Scott Hall, Jeff Jarrett, Konnan, Devon Storm, Shannon, Buff Bagwell, Fluff Dupp, Rick Steiner, Steve Corino, K Krush, Bobcat, Alicia, Francine, AJ Styles, Psicosis, Don West, Mike Tenay, Ed Ferrara, Ricky Steamboat, Goldylocks, Jeremy Borash, Harley Race, and the list goes on and on. There are probably a few that I might have missed. I hope that we will see a lot more of all of the above people on upcoming NWA-TNA shows.

One other thing about the TNA pay per views. I didn’t like the Flying Elvises’ gimmick, but the wrestlers are very talented. That talent shone through on the first pay per view. I hope that the gimmick is dropped, but that the wrestlers themselves stay. That’s just my opinion.

I recently had the chance to ask NWA-TNA promoter Jerry Jarrett how things went down in which his promotion came to an agreement with the NWA to represent the NWA on pay per view. This is what he told me: “Concerning the NWA, we simply presented our concept and were granted rights to become a part of the organization. I was a member going back to the early 70's and only after the original organization fell into disarray did I resign. I'm delighted to be a part of the great tradition once again.” 

I also asked NWA-TNA ring announcer Jeremy Borash who he would like to see Ken Shamrock defend the NWA World heavyweight title against. He told me, “I'd like to see him in the ring with any number of people. Ken is one of those guys who's style can pretty much make an interesting contest with anyone. I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of a match Shamrock would have with Jarrett.”

I agree that a Shamrock-Jarrett match would be very interesting. I would also like to see Shamrock defend against Scott Hall. I would enjoy that match.

Another person that I would love to see Shamrock defend the title against is two time former NWA World heavyweight champion Dan Severn. I would love to see a rematch from their clashes in the UFC’s Octagon. 

That match is quite possible. Severn is challenging NWA National champion Hotstuff Hernandez on July 5, in what should be one heck of a classic match in North Richland Hills, Texas! If Severn wins the National title, he should be right back in line for a title match against Shamrock. 

Thank you for reading my column. I hope that you enjoyed it. Until next time, I'm Stanley Hetz. And remember, THE NWA IS THE WORLDWIDE LEADER OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING. 


The comments and opinions reflected in "The Hetz Zone" are strictly those of Stanley Hetz and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of the NWA or any of its members. All e-mail comments regarding "The Hetz Zone" should be directed to Stanley Hetz at stanley_hetz@yahoo.com.